Signatureô And Eliteô Models Highlight ELAN In-Wall Speaker Introductions

ELAN Home Systems offered at CES 2000 five new models of in-wall speakers including three revolutionary wood framed designs in their Elite Series and two high performance in-ceiling designs in the Signature Seriesô line. The Elite Series is a sharp departure from the inconspicuous cosmetic design of all in-walls to date. Each Elite speaker offers solid wood framing and high-density MDF baffle materials. The same assets used in the enclosure cabinetry of high-end freestanding speakers. Choice maple frames are available in six finishes including honey maple, rosewood, natural cherry, walnut, piano black and piano white. More reflective of fine woodworking, the new speakers come in an arch top three-way (ES650), a slim line rectangular dual woofer (ES525) and round in-ceiling coaxial (ES500).Robert Farinelli, ELANís President explains, "" the very intent of these speakers is to be noticed Ö both from a fine aesthetics point of view as well as from an acoustic perspective"". The attention to detail in the baffle and frame design carries over to the selection of casted woofer baskets, injection molded graphite cones, filleted butyl surrounds, 1-inch silk soft dome tweeters, and extensive crossover networks with gold-plated push-pin binding posts. The result is premium architectural and audio design elements that perform well together. The suggested retails for the three models are $900/pair for the E525, $950/pair for the E650 and $750/pair for the E800 and ELAN has slated availability for Q2, 2000.Also, ELAN offers two new Signature Series in-ceiling speakers, the SG100 (5.25-inch) and the SG500 (8.0-inch). Both models are coaxial designs with extensive crossover networks. They feature 1-inch soft dome tweeters with mica cones and butyl surrounds on the drivers. Gold plated pushpin speaker connectors and winglets make installation a breeze. Farinelli says, ""no other speaker in this price class performs like the new Signature in-ceiling speakers,"" adding, ""there is no match for clarity, richness and balance even in higher priced competitive speakers."" Suggested retails on the new models are $250/pair (SG100) and $400/pair (SG500). The new SG models are slated for a March 2000 shipping schedule.ELAN has three lines of in-wall speakers (Selectô, Signatureô and Eliteô) that provide the custom A/V specialist options from value to premium models.